FROM USA TODAY AND PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY BESTSELLING AUTHOR C L STONE:
In a world where ghosts, magic, and dragons exist, one desperate girl faces a dangerous competition to become one of the Favored.
Kuni is a country built on honor. But honor is never easy to maintain when the kingdom is filled with corruption, and enemies are threatening war at the borders. When the old emperor dies, a new one rises and he needs people he can trust by his side to help purge the corruption in his realm.
Orphaned Mizuki has only ever known farming, but working the land is difficult, lonely work and it's getting harder every year to do it alone. She's facing another long winter and near starvation, until a royal decree arrives. She is to leave her home and make a journey to the capital. The new emperor demands the best citizens of Kuni to join his court, and she must register and be tested to find if her place is among them.
Mizuki is doubtful. Who would want a poor farming girl in a royal court? It's not until a woman who claims to have been employed by the last empress finds her, and promises she can turn Mizuki from a sow into royalty. But competition at court is deadly, and after only a couple of days in the city, Mizuki realizes she needs the old woman, not just to learn the ways of the royals, but for her survival.
She'll need people she can trust and will have to keep them close as she struggles to stay in the competition and alive.
Join Mizuki, Sota, Ryuu, and Shima as they face incredible odds to become one of the Favored in this epic, Asian-based fantasy.
Favored first came out with C.L. Stone's newsletter "As I write" but I didn't read it before the book was released. And I'm glad, because I probably wouldn't have been able to handle the wait.
I read every Ghost Bird and Scarab Beetle books, sometimes twice or thrice. I am completely and utterly obsessed by the Academy universe and all of its blushing white characters, I love them as much as I hate them and I've been fighting cavities since I've started reading them.
Favored was the complete opposite of her usual books. And it was very enjoyable.
Mizuki, the lead character, goes to the capital to compete against thousands of people for a position she knows nothing about. Along the way she makes allies, some enemies, gains confidence, elegance and random skills only the aristocrats have. Nothing happens yet a lot, all being very superficial. But strangely enough, the result was very entertaining.
1. Mizuki was perfect but not Mary Sue annoying. She wasn't a doormat like Sang or and idiot like Kayli. Everything revolved around her but for good reasons and she was not shadowed by too many guys. She was a real main character, not just some cute stuff you don't really know what to do with.
2. The asiatic setting was certainely exotic and agreable. It was unfortunately lacking on the food departement and god knows I love japanese cuisine.
3. The fantasy elements were very sparse, mostly condensed at the end. But it was enough to keep me entertained and this first book ended beautifuly.
4. But I am very perplexed about the all "too much water" and her parents lost at sea. Those two points seemed important in the begining but were completely forgotten after a few chapters.
Overall, Favored was a very nice read and I really want to read more of this universe. Will I read it as the "As I write" goes? Probably not. But I will wait for the next book and hope it won't take too long.
Ok, so I am slightly annoyed by this book. After every chapter, some of which are only a few pages long, there's a blank page. Every chapter! Then to add to that, the story itself ends at 86%. Why am I annoyed? Not only is the story therefore shorter than advertised but it also means that when reading in KU all of those blank pages are paid simply because I had to swipe through them. Now I am all for supporting authors, I've been known to buy the paperback and audio book versions of books I have found on KU, that's not the problem here. The problem for me us that so many other authors put in so much effort and do not use these tactics but are being paid less after being accused of using click farms. I really disagree with book stuffing- using the last quarter of a book to plug another book is misleading.
Now for the story. I felt it was weak. The characters are one dimensional, the world building consisted of saying that there are many rules and to be careful and too much time was spent without anything significant happening. The end seemed like it was meant to be a cliffhanger but I honestly do not care if it was or not because it felt as though hardly anything was explained. Too much time was spent on make up, bathing, dressing and the description of clothes and not enough on plot or character connections/development.
My opinion seems to greatly differ from other people's so do give it a try, we might just have different tastes.
Will not be continuing with the next one if there is one.
Ce livre avait tellement de potentiel Le début était bien ...j’ai embarqué dans l’histoire Mais j’ai perdu intérêt avant et pendant les ”épreuves” je m’attendais pas à un entraînement comment devenir une poupée ”geisha ” Je suis un peu déçu je m’attendais à des dur entraînement à des combat épic entre aspirent À des rivalités entre riche et pauvre..soldat vs paysans à la place j’ai eu un makeup tutoriel, cours de posture et d’accoutrement...
The writing isn't great; in fact, it is often clumsy. But I was curious enough about the world to keep going.
I finished the book still curious about the world. For, while certain elements were described repeatedly and in excruciating detail -- Mizuki's feelings of inadequacy, her baths, her feelings of inadequacy -- Stone gave only intriguing clues about so much of the Kuni society and the world it exists in. Since readers spend the entire book inside the head of a former recluse, only just emerging from her cocoon, details beyond her immediate experiences are hard to come by.
Equally interest-piquing were Mizuki's companions. I learned just enough about one to wonder why he became part of the group (though, I have a feeling that his personality will evolve in future books, thereby answering my questions). I read just enough about the other two to want know their stories completely.I
There were other annoyingly awkward things about the story besides the lack of external detail. But I'll probably still continue the series because I want to know what makes the world and the other characters tick.
C.L. Stone, how I love thee! The wonder of your thoughts can be scene in your writing. They are deep and complicated, simple and beautiful. Like a Ghost Bird, fluttering in and of our hearts; Until, once again, we are Favored.
Kuni is a country built on honor but the kingdom has become tainted with corruption and enemies are threatening war at the mountain borders. When the old emperor dies his heir sent most of the older court away determined to find new people with open minds. People who he can trust to stand by him to save the country. Mizuki was orphaned as a child. She has lived alone, farming, looked after by a former teacher. Her heritage offers her a chance to apply for a court position and with the assistance of a surprising supporter, a member of the former court, Mrs. Satsu she is going to register and be tested to find if her place is on the court. Mizuki manages to gain the additional support of her escort Sota and two former classmates, a trader Ryuu and Shima. It's obvious that's there's something special about Mizuki. Those who meet her see her beauty clearly; they willingly offer their love and loyalty. She will need these people around her because the competition at court is deadly. Literally.
Favored is a wonderful start to a new fantasy/adventure RH series by the incomparable CL Stone. Very different from her other works but equally enjoyable. Magic, dragons, and ghosts. The world-building is amazing. No detail is overlooked; landscaping, architecture, clothing, make-up, food. History and cultural background are equally detailed. It creates a vivid backdrop for likable, well-developed characters. Mizuki's character growth is remarkable. She goes from a girl working to survive, lost to the world to a confident, loving, accomplished, conscientious, caring young lady. The changes inside are as notable as the outward polishing of her beauty. The men are all devoted and worthy of her attention. Each offering a needed talent; protection, strength, bargaining. They help her believe in herself and by offering themselves to her, they receive her love in return. This sense of security allows her to show a strength and conscience that may save them all.
There is an innocence to this book even with the intrigue and evil. The sense of honor, duty, and purity is evident throughout. I loved the ending and look forward to future books.
This story had so much potential but I think it ultimately just fell flat. The world wasn’t developed enough for me. I kept wanting more detail and explanations and they never came. I also think the characters were underdeveloped as well. It seems as though this is going towards a RH but at this point, I don’t see how the audience will ever buy a true relationship between the heroine and any of the men. There may have been a couple conversations through the whole book that connected the characters in an emotional way but the majority of the “relationship” that is blooming appears to solely be based on proximity and circumstance.
I’m giving this book three stars (instead of the two I originally planned) because I think the storyline has potential; I’m just not sure if I’ll read the sequel.
Though it has not technically come out yet, I read this through her "As i Write" newsletter series. I really enjoyed this story, I like the world, set in past Japan it pleases the part of me that loves historical Japanese drama's. It reminded me of the memoirs of a Geisha, the "too much water" part as well as the makeup and clothes descriptions. It felt at times more like the heroine was registering/training to become a concubine or geisha than for any sort of actual ministry position so that did bother me some, however I believe that will be explained in the next book. Not that i can find anything saying there is a next book, just assuming based on the ending and how it certainly doesn't feel like a one shot.
5:23-27—They said: “Moses, there is a heavy-handed folk in it. We will never enter it until they leave. If they should leave it, then we will enter.” Two men among those who fear—God favored them both—said: “Walk right in through the gate on them. Once you have entered it, you will be victorious. You should rely on God if you are believers.” They said: “Moses, we will never enter it at all so long as they remain in it! You go off and fight; both you and your Lord; we will be sitting around here.” He said: “My Lord, I control only myself and my brother. Distinguish between us and such perverse folk!” He said: “It will be prescribed them for forty years. They will wander around the earth, so do not worry about such perverse people.”
This review will be updated once I finish the book. So far I like the characters and storyline, but I don’t like the authors writing style. I have read her other books and loved them! But this book is missing something. Every sentence is very bland. I need more descriptive sentences. A book has to pull me in and make me feel as though it’s happening to me or at least make my mind create imagery. I’m not getting that. I just see stunted sentences. She did this. This happened. She felt this. She saw that. I’m going to finish this book and who knows, maybe it was just the mood I was in when I read the first half.
Loved it. The characters & world built for this story is good. The story pulled me in andkept me reading. Can't wait for book 2 to come out. This first book seems to be all about Mitzuki, her background and all that happens during her training and preparation for a mysterious royal position. There is some background on her three trusted guys. They are her lifeline while trying to make sense of what is going on around her. She gains trustworthy friends & allies while navigating among those secret plots and betrayals. I thought it was a fun & interesting beginning of a hopefully epic tale. ��
Sometimes I forget that 3 stars on Goodreads means "I liked it" and 2 stars means "it was ok."
Favored was okay.
It felt more like 2.5 or 3 stars in my head, but I didn't really like it so much as think it was okay, so figured I'd specify here just for the heck of it.
The book was very short. The published date says 2016 and considering it's now March 2020 and there's no sign of a sequel, I wouldn't recommend starting this one until the rest of the series comes out. CL has a lot of series going on, so who knows when this one will continue. The story hasn't really gotten anywhere yet.
Loved it the first time I read it and even more this to Everyone!
This was part of the original "Falling For Them" anthology. I had asked C.L. Stone at that time if she was planning to follow up on this story...I'm so glad she is! The ending of this book has expanded on the original a bit and it's a better endpoint now. I can't wait to see what happens with Mizuki, Sota, Ryuu, Shima, her new dragon and even Taka- I have a feeling the bird will be important. Super excited! I love all of C.L. Stone's books! Such a talented author!
The story dragged a bit in the beginning and even though I have finished the book I know very little about the characters. The connection between the characters didn't seem real as the interaction between the three of them was so limited in the beginning apart from all the men stating how beautiful Mitsuki was. I could see the author setting up for a reverse harem story and I would have liked a different plot of adventure and a magical quest thrown in for good measure.
This book was very interesting - I really liked the cultural aspects of the world in this book, as well as the adventure and mysticism of the story. I'm not sure how far the author plans to take the reverse harem aspect of the story (if it all) but the spirit of/base for that exists. At this point I would classify this as a fantasy or adventure series, and I am looking forward to where the journey takes these characters following the events at the ending of this first book.
I love that this has an Asian background to it. It's a short story and I want to read what happens in the rest of the story. While I expected this to have a reverse harem spin, and I imagine it will in the future. It might be considered a slow, slow burn to it but I enjoyed the story enough that relationships of that nature weren't on the top of my priorities for reading this. Will definitely read the next one.
If I DNF a book I usually rate it either one or two stars depending on why I didn’t finish. One star is a book I really didn’t like for one reason or another and I don’t go back to those books. A two star DNF is a book I couldn’t finish but may give it another try later. I hope that later I’ll give this book another try and it’ll draw me in. I love this author and her work normally so it’s probably a me not it thing.
I wasn't sure I was going to like this when I started it but it just sucked me right in. This is so different from my usual fare...iI love the Asian style setting and the ritual of the registration for positions with the Royal Family. You're going to love the characters and the parts they play. And your idea of Favored isn't what you think it is. I look forward to the next bok in this series.
Stone just has a way of creating these interesting story worlds that I become really intrigued by even when things aren't developed as much as I'd like. In this book I really felt like the secondary characters, particularly the three boys, aren't really distinct enough to see them as separate entities. Mizuki also feels rather bland. But I would probably read the next book because I want to know more about this mysterious position and the Favored.
The book is completely different from the Ghost Bird Academy books. It takes place in a world reminiscent of China or Japan. It was already published in one of the "Falling for Them" anthologies. I liked the book because it is completely different from C.L.'s other books. Looking forward to read book 2 of this series.
If you like the movie memoirs of a geisha, then you will probably enjoy this book
I love this type of story and I read the entire book in 4 hrs. Can't wait for the next book in the series !! You can just feel the inner determination of the main character. As a stubborn person myself, I resonated with this and got myself all fired up and determined right along with her lol.
It’s FREE on Amazon Today!!!!! Quick reminder it is the first book in a series by C. L. Stone. A tasteful reverse harem and it ends nicely. No cliff hanger that has you throwing your kindle at the wall and biting your nails for the next one. I can’t wait for the next one don’t get me wrong! I just don’t hate the author until I do. Lol it’s unique, set in Asia, fantasy and oh so good!
I downloaded Favored as a free ebook from Amazon. I really enjoyed the characters and the careful plotting to build the storyline. I really enjoy Japanese-inspired fantasy tales, and this one doesn't disappoint. Great story line, interesting characters, and fast-paced plot. Can't wait to read more in this series.
What a great start to a series. This has great build-up, I love the world, I love the characters. I can't wait to read more. This intriguing tale of old and new, of magic and mundane. I would love to see the main characters relationship progress, the dynamics of it. I think this has potential to become epic.
This was a great read!! I got sucked in immediately and couldn't put it down!
The characters are well developed, the heroine is unassuming and naive without being overdone and the plot is well paced without skimping on the world building or character relationships.
Can't wait for the next book! I'm ready for more!!!!
I wonder what happens next left on the cliff hanger
Clean cut reverse harem book setting towards Asian theme pretty much the focus about character to be chosen to look after the kingdom not a queen, the king, but the favored I was interesting. She trusted people that she barely knew but help her to get to replace she needs to go.
Finally got around to reading this and I'm in love. I really hope there's more to the story because I want to learn more about this world. The writing kept me engaged the whole time and I read this in one sitting, even though I wanted to make it last.
I pretty much read anything C.L.Stone writes because I love her writing, but this book was amazing! From the very start you'll be transported to this new world she created for this story and you'll be hooked from page one. I can't wait to read what will be coming next.
I can’t even remember how this book ended up on my kindle. Bored, I started reading it last night and put it down only long enough for the most minimal sleep and required daily activities. I can���t wait for the best book